49ers’ game grades vs. Rams

Chronicle staff

Published 10:58 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2017

Offense

Brian Hoyer’s first-play interception was an awful start. And the 49ers’ failed final drive was a poor finish. In between? Hey, look, an offense. Hoyer took some hellacious hits, but recovered from those (and his first pass) to deliver a gutty 332-yard performance. Pierre Garcon (142 yards) showed why they shelled out big bucks in free agency.

Defense

They were no doubt fatigued from a 79-snap Sunday, but still: The Rams took a time machine and resembled the Greatest Show on Turf. QB Jared Goff (145.8 rating) was barely touched (0 sacks, 3 hits) and was supported by an offense that had two 100-yard WRs and a 100-yard RB. The 49ers have invested heavily in their defensive line and the lack of pressure is perplexing.

Special teams

They recovered a muffed punt, had a fumble recovery on a kickoff return and executed a successful onside kick. And it all might have resulted in a win if not for Robbie Gould’s missed extra-point try early in the fourth quarter. The miss forced the 49ers to try a late-game, two-point attempt that failed.

Coaching

With the Bay Area pleading for Kyle Shanahan to bench Hoyer after his first throw, Shanahan said he looked Hoyer in the eyes and told him to start over. Good call. Speaking of calls, perhaps defensive coordinator Robert Saleh should have dialed up some more pressure to at least touch Goff.

Overall

They lose defensive slogs. They lose offensive showcases. And the 49ers might start winning a few games if they can put it together. It was another loss, but it was also entertaining. Anyone say that in 2016?

— Eric Branch

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